The former deputy commander of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division has been charged with numerous violations of military law, including forcible sodomy, the Army said Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Sinclair has been charged with "forcible sodomy, wrongful sexual conduct, attempted violation of an order, violations of regulations by wrongfully engaging in inappropriate relationships, misusing a government travel charge card" and several other counts, said Col. Kevin Arata, a spokesman for the Fort Bragg-based 82nd Airborne Division, which since its creation during World War I has been one of the most celebrated units in the Army.

Specifics of the alleged crimes were not released. It could not immediately be determined whether Sinclair has an attorney.

Army spokesman George Wright said Sinclair currently is still on active duty, serving as a special assistant to the commander of the 18th Airborne Corps, and is not restricted to base. As is standard procedure in military criminal matters, he continues to be paid his salary.

Sinclair, who was sent home to FortBragg in North Carolina from Afghanistan earlier this year, will next face the military equivalent of a preliminary hearing, a so-called Article 32.

That's a hearing in which both the prosecutor in the case and the defendant's lawyer can present witnesses and evidence. At the end of the session the "investigating officer," who acts as a judge in the hearing, will make a recommendation as to whether a defendant should face court martial. That recommendation goes to the "appointing authority," an officer higher up the chain of command from the defendant.

sounds like he's out (of the closet) – what's the big deal, the way our country is heading
the freaks think they can get away with anything now
love – tolerance – equal rights, and all that crap, ra ra ra

He's charged with adultery, inappropriate relations with female subordinates, and sodomy. Do the math and do some research into sodomy as a legal term. He's hetero and is charged with forcing sodomy on a woman.

This is heart breaking. There are tons of soldiers that would give their right arm for a shot at being in the 82nd, going to jump school etc. And they deserve it and would complete the requirements with flying colors if it wasn't for some silly Army requirement preventing them. So heartbreaking. These 82nd Airborne guys are called "All Americans" and represent the best America has to offer.

I know you are just trying to be simple; but the GOP didn't say such a thing. One lame brain in the mid-west said it and the REST of the GOP told him to step down, and quite running on the GOP ticket. The GOP could not be clearer on their position.

If Obama ever got charged with something like this, what do you think would happen? I can tell you what would happen. 1. He would invoke "executive privelege. (cover it up). 2. He would be defended by every hard core lib out there, and who ever brought the charges would be accused of racism, partisanship, and hate. 3. He would still get lots of votes, maybe enough to win an election. Simply put, he can do no wrong at all in the libs eyes. It would just be a bump in the road.

no more like a crack in the ass then a bump in the road...you'll find out he's part of the GOP wait and see...crime is not solely one party or another what a stupid statement...go wave your flag some other place.

Well he IS commander in chief. The object of the post was to comapre what would happen if say someone like Obama was accused of this, vs someone such as the General vs, someone in the mainstream middle class. It doesn't look good for the General, wouldn't be good for the middle class guy either, but if Obama did it, then shucks it weren't nuttin!

Honestly...how do people get so ignorant as to try to project a situation like this onto the president of the United States?

You idiots have gone full retard. 100%. I knew you were losing grasp with reality but only a group like republicans could take a clear-cut situation and that has absolutely nothing to do with Obama by any stretch of the imagination and then try to involve him.

I have a 6-year-old child who is more intelligent than the average republican.

This article says the general "is still on active duty...is not restricted to base." Typical for an officer. If this had been an enlisted man, he would immediately have been confined. In the armed forces, when you're an officer, you're pretty much a God.

Give it a rest. This story is a joke and a lie. I reside in this General's community and you don't get to that level of honor in the military being that type of person. I believe this story, and this charge, is a lie.

Jon – what do you know? About this story, and this charge? The article reveals nothing.

(Simply suggesting, by the way, that this man's outward appearance of honor precludes his ability to commit a crime is – with all due respect – not going to cut it.)

September 26, 2012 at 8:58 pm |

Jim

I'm with Jon. I have a servile mind, a low iq, and a deep respect for bureaucracy. You don't get to a high level in the military unless you have deep moral character.

September 26, 2012 at 9:07 pm |

Cindi

I agree with you Jon, seriously. Look at the people that write on here, who don't even understand what a article 32 hearing is. I find it sad that all of these people that write their comments on here don't even know the Brig. General. Yet, they actually believe everything that the media writes and reports.

September 26, 2012 at 10:11 pm |

Dave

If you are at the rank of General it all pays. No offence or should I say defense, but Rank does have its well deserved privileges. Ever see the move…I thinks it is called "A few good men". Where Tom Cruise finally busts the General (Jack Nicholson) at Gitmo for ordering a code red? By gosh is none are you are general, I feel you have no right to comment at regarding this article. War is hell, you have no idea what are brave men have through let a lone a man that has made it the rank of General. Think you could make this rank being all prisses and legal...NOT. How many men have you ordered into combat knowing they will probably be killed but ordered to do from the US war machine... get a life loosers, our miltary is the best in world and so are they serve in it. Especially as such a high rank of General. Granted he may have done wrong, but just think about what he has had to which most would consider wrong to achieve the rank of General. Anyone comdeming this man before his court marshall is no good, never been in the military...can't post further is cnn would not let me post. Walk just a day in this man's shoes, Punks.

Really, Calvin? I have preferred charges against two enlisted personnel for similar charges, and I didn't confine either one to base. Both pled guilty, one got ten years, the other got ten plus what the state of Virginia gave him for separate crimes involving civilians. But I'm sure you're familiar with EVERY court-martial that has ever happened.

Falizar: in what part of the original post does the author say, or even imply, that those listed are the only "war criminals" he can think of?

September 26, 2012 at 8:56 pm |

jonathan augello

As a Penn State grad, I recognized that it was only a matter of time before we got some national perspective on the Sandusky debacle. There are mentally ill people out there – everywhere. And the live their lives and achieve, and then this happens. Point being, the focus should be on recognition and help for these people, not bowl bans and shame.

Umm, that's BS. It doesn't matter if their problems are genetic or not, their victims are still victims and the crimes are still horrible. If you want to treat them, then that's fine. But they are still criminals and still deserve punishment. They should have sought treatment when they realized their urges were not normal. Being "sick" does not give them a free pass when it comes to being accountable for victimizing people.

Penn State from now on will be in the same category as Michael Jackson–pedophile. The fact the head coach knowing allowed the football program to be used as a lure to sodomize young boys is lost on the feeble minded that still attend Pedo-State

To read some of these posts, most of you people are no doubt True America haters. Some of these posts were it 50 years ago would be considered aiding and abetting the enemy.
This guy screwed up he does not need your pathetic sissy boy posts , the UCMJ will take care of him. Some of you haters need to spend some time in the military and not hiding behind your mothers dress.

Can you just image how this fellow would have been handled 50 years ago in the wilds of Vietnam, or 70 years ago in Europe? He would have disappeared quietly (other than the .45 in the back of his head) and the Marine Corp would have been spared this type of bad publicity.

Exactly. These fools want a nation from the early 1900s and then whenever one of their own gets busted (as happens regularly) they fall to their knees to defend whatever it is and then try to drag Obama into it.

What can you say? These are not the most educated or informed people in our nation and they're losing horribly. They have no legitimate gripe with the president other than the fact that he's black so they have to pretend he's a muslim, a marxist, a communist or a socialist when the TRUTH is that these people cannot even *define* those terms.

They heard it on Fox so it must be true, right?

The GOP has become little more than a group of people with mental disorders who hate America and hate progress and are too frustrated to admit it so they create false reasons to feign their anger.

September 26, 2012 at 9:03 pm |

miguel

Right, Y. Because this general most certainly joined up after 2008. He can't be – what? – older than 24.

Give it a rest. This whole story is a lie and I'm a Conservative. This General has served his country and honorably and whoever brought forward the charge at the JAG office should be fired immediately and the person making the accusation should be charged with defamation of character and filing a false report.

In 99% of the world's military forces we would never hear about this... remember... innocent until proven guilty is still an American belief and the Law! Stay tuned... and when the governing body explains the outcome... let your comments go. Other wise... for now Shut Up!

another idiot who doesn't understand what the freedom speech actually is.

September 26, 2012 at 8:49 pm |

miguel

Troy's right. Get it straight, goofball.

September 26, 2012 at 8:51 pm |

Canadian99

Then why does your country have suspects in GITMO without a trail...........no charges but locked UP. Some of them have been there for over 8 years......where their justice. It’s fine for an American to be treated innocent until proven guilty……I repeat what about GITMO where’s their justice.

When will the king and queen of yellow journalism, TMZ & CNN, Admit the truth that they allowed Obama to destroy the military to protect their g-a-y support Agenda (did not their poster boy Anderson just proudly proclaim he is a Rump Ranger)? . They want to divert attention from the damage Rump Rangers have done to national security because they worship the culture that lusts for little Boys, sick Pervs.

wow that is a statement that I can laugh at...gee did bush and cheeney and haliburton F this country to death...ask a maimed solider or a family that lost a a child to these wars...who started them...with their FALSE 911
Haliburton was over charging the government for soldiers meals that takes class for sure REPUGLICAN ass wipes..

Another proud member of Obama's Coalition of Morons. On your way home to mommy's basement stop and buy (OK steal) some tea, better for you then the kool aid. Then ask mommy who daddy was. She will not know because she banged everything in the hood with 2 or more legs, but you can Asks. Do not forget your free Malt 40 the corrupt DNC gives Obama voters.

Yet another proud member of Obama's Coalition of Morons. On your way home to mommy's basement stop and buy (OK steal) some tea, better for you then the kool aid. Then ask mommy who daddy was. She will not know because she banged everything in the hood with 2 or more legs, but you can Asks. Do not forget your free Malt 40 the corrupt DNC gives Obama voters.

September 27, 2012 at 5:15 am |

Progressive Veteran

What a pathetic sack of so-and-so. He dishonors his uniform, his troops, the military. His career done, he should be reduced in rank to the bottom of the ladder and be dishonorably discharged. I am sad for the victim, be it she (most likely) or he.

You idiot. You disgust me. You have absolutely not evidence other than this story from CNN and a "charge" from some unknown person. This General has served his country honorably and I believe this story is a lie. Go back to the DSS office and pick up your welfare check.

Rick, I'd be more inclined to agree with you if the reports even mentioned what continent the alleged crime(s) took place on. As is, though, the entire conversation has the usual layer of military insularity over it.

September 26, 2012 at 8:49 pm |

John Martin

If he was an enlisted soldier, he would be in the brig now. He is a BG and will eventually be allowed to retire, after a few months of investigating his alleged crimes. He will be slapped on the hand, and may have to pay a fine, then told not to get caught doing that again. The Army is not going to Court Martial a BG. If they did, that would open the Army's Pandora's box of senior officers-who think they are Gods. Remember the 0-6 just a few weeks ago from Italy?

You all haters discust me. If you are at the rank of General it all pays. No offence or should I say defense, but Rank does have its well deserved privileges. Ever see the move…I thinks it is called A few good men. Where Tom Cruise finally busts the General (Jack Nicholson) at Gitmo for ordering a code red? By God before you all punks judge a man walk a day in his shoes, that man is in the military especially in the hell hole they are in. Go over there just for a day...are you scared punk?

Really? Guess what. Anyone can go to a magistrates office or other judicial individual and accuse anyone of a crime. Then you have papers served on you and have to go to court based on that person's accusation. Then you defend yourself in court. Oh yea, you're an idiot.

I'd like to read an article which offers more than simply what the charges are – whom the alleged victim(s) is, for instance, and what the alleged context of the crime is. As is, there's literally nothing to go off of here, except that a high-ranking general has been charged with anal rape.

Unless I missed something, it's not even evident from the article whether the crimes allegedly took place in Afghanistan, North Carolina, or somewhere else.

(The military feverishly protects their own, unfortunately – even in situations like this. Were he a civilian, there'd be more information made public – and I sincerely doubt it's a matter of national security.)

Sadly this is true. Look how angry and fanatical some people get over that as well. It's one think to support troops, and quite another to let a few of them get away with perversion, desecration, and the murder of innocent women and children. People at the top need to get their stuff together already. We shouldn't be throwing our values and morals out the window to support monsters and sicko's. Wake up already.

Miguel, I can only assume you are either a Democrat or not American at all. Details? Details are only necessary for people who really care about the issues and in preventing this type of behaviour in the future. Republicans, on the other hand, don't need details. Details would just get in the way of their anger and their protestations. Yep, I've got you pegged as non-American or a Democrat. Cheers.

Which is why sodomy laws have been overturned in so many locations. The legal definition of the "crime" fit anything other than the missionary position. Yet it was only enforced against males with males. The double standard enforcement is what got the laws overturned.

September 27, 2012 at 7:47 pm |

sugar

Seems to be how he got in. Maybe someone should have asked if he was planning to "forcibly sodomize" anyone while he was in the military.

Missed the last part of my post: meant to finish with 'shortly after WWII began'.

September 26, 2012 at 8:46 pm |

Paratrooper

The 82nd Airborne was formed in WWI. The "All-American" designation was added when it was found that at least one person from every state was present in the new division. Sgt. York (back in WWI) was in the 82nd Division. The 82nd was inactivated after WWI but was reactivated in WWII as a new "airborne" unit. They served the longest consecutive number of days in combat of any other division. Just like in civilian life where seemingly innocuous people are predators, so it is also in the military. Don't think any less of the 82nd Airborne and the men and women who have proudly served in it because of one (soon to be ex)-general.

This case should not reflect upon the entire Army or the armed forces as a whole. This was an individual who obviously made a mistake, and will pay the consequences. I think most of the comments on here are absolutely ridiculous, especially ones that take this lightly as a joke, or bring politics into it somehow. There was obviously a victim in this case, and that's something that is very serious too. It is things like this that give the armed forces a bad name, but you have to put things in perspective and remember all of the soldiers, marines, etc. that are out there serving the red white and blue HONORABLY every single day. As one commenter stated, if you do not know about that, you shouldn't be so quick to put others down.

"if you're not one of them"? Maybe it's to avoid this kind of company that decent ppl aren't even thinking of joining the privileged gang called military. . (on other days i might have good words for them, but no on days like this one, and unfortunately many, many soldiers are doing nasty stuff – like they don't even represent a civilized nation – sadly)

He should be put on suicide watch. Many higher ups commit that act when they are to face article 32 charges, especially when it comes to these types. The relieving of command is to much for many of hem to take. He is a human being who did awful, terrible things. Does it mean he should die?

How do you know? What makes you think a Navy SEAL could kick his ass. Going into the SEAL/Ranger/Special Forces?Recon Marine programs doesn't mean you can kick everyone's ass. Just means you have been through some training...tough training. But, doesn't mean you can fight much better then any Joe walking the street.

September 26, 2012 at 8:40 pm |

NNN

A response typical of a mental midget, if you did serve any time, it was behind a desk somewhere, blowhard. SEALs are an elite force and do not remotely represent the typical sailor, and no real sailor would begin to assume credit for the same kind of work the SEALs do.

September 26, 2012 at 8:56 pm |

Bill

I am in the Navy, shipmate!!! I served on many ships and in many SEALs butts!!! Anytime you need a little extra for serving your country, just let me know. Holla!!!

Wow, "Obummer." You are SO bright and SO fast and SO funny. I think I have only seen this nickname for our President maybe seventy eleven thousand times. I bet YOUR willy is brown, and also about 2 inches long.

Yes, that makes sense that it's Obama's fault. NOT!!! Go ahead and vote in the a&&hole Romney and see how much better things can be. Maybe he'll hire you to put that car elevator in his garage. Oh, wait, maybe you're one of the 47% that he doesn't give a crap about.

please explain this man is in charge of hundreds possibly thousands of men and woman and HE CAN"T CONTROL HIMSELF and that is obama's fault...wow can I smoke what you are? Oh wait then you'd go to jail for years but butt raping someone he'll no loose too much I don't imagine...this will get wiped under the carpet some how.

there was once honor with a position of authority like His, but in a time of cowardly George bush and the Traitor Allen West; I guess this level of dishonor should be expected. It shames all of us it is tolerated.

They didn't mention the victim, but most likely he forced some object/baseball bat into an Afghan captive/POW, possibly killing him in the process, which isn't a big deal 'coz they killed so many of them – yes, it was "war" – when Afghan is the victim, it becomes a minor story that will go away in a day, or after a few hours, down below several other stories.

Illegal use of a charge card most likely means brothel where he raped someone.. He didnt rape another male or female soldier because it would be defiant court martial.. He obviously was on a mission, and used a military issued credit card to buy a ladies night and it turned ugly. Just another secret service night on the town.

Thank God it is only Americans who can act barbaric. Now, if only the entire rest of the world would gang up and kick the crap out of all Americans, we Canadians can take over the entire North American continent.

FYI for all Republicans – I'm just kidding. For the record, the world only has to kick the crap out of 53% of Americans, the other 47% are just sitting on their butts, not causing any trouble.

well there are rules for us and there are rules for them...The U.S. is turning into a toilet...when the peasants revolt and pass out real justice...see how they all will cry and want mercy..but when the table is turned I agree with tc!

Nothing? he will be humiliated and definitely should NOT get a top pension..but he did give service to his country for many years that should NOT be negated but he should serve some time for a violent crime. Liberal but with a heart...he just got caught that is all...War is hell and good for absolutely NOTHING!

These people are making a mockery of the military, that is for darn sure. And again, they are doing these things because they apparently feel they can get away with it. I'm tired of these sicko perverts and violent maniacs, stop being soft of them. For the love of all that is good, PUT A STOP TO IT. Gosh darn it, I just want to grab someone and start shaking reality back into them. STOP IT.

Are you an idiot? Don't answer that, it was a rhetorical question. Oops, sorry, you are obviously a Republican and won't know what rhetorical means. How can anyone blame this sort of behaviour on your President. Do us all a favor and shoot yourself before you procreate and make any little idiots.

This happens more than you think. They really need to crack down on bogus TDYs(Temporary Duty Station). These guys make a fortune in per diem money not to meniton just having a good ole time on the the taxpayers dime. Oh and most of them are republicans!!!

I think most people actually kind of some there is a lot of misuse. Kind of like how we all assume the cops are going to give you at least 5 mph over the speed limit.

September 26, 2012 at 8:16 pm |

blinky mcfersion

republicans are ruining the military...

September 26, 2012 at 8:17 pm |

guest

You are right with that. They tell us that we can only use it for travel and lodging, but I knew people in my unit that used it for other things, and never got into trouble. Even though I got out a little bit ago, I still have my government credit card, they never bothered to collect it from me.

What about your responsibility to turn it in? Are you waiting for a chance to use again?

September 26, 2012 at 8:13 pm |

Dubhly

more then likely they just cancelled it and its a little knickknack left over from his service

September 26, 2012 at 8:25 pm |

militarymike

Yes, that's clearly the charge that we need to focus on in this story . . . Never mind the forcible sodomy, lets focus on the AmEx charges!
On a side note, they should add that haircut to his list of charges.

Oh and how do you know they are Republicans? Are you there when they vote? I think not! What an idiot for making such an assumption! Get a life and quit trying to bring politics into something that has nothing to do with it. What this man allegedly did violates everything that he was entrusted with.

i would concur, but i would also agree with above saying he is probably republican. When i was in the hard core people were, I think it went in hand with being conservative. 82nd btw would be very hard core.

September 26, 2012 at 8:28 pm |

BK

Paying debts incurred using a gov travel card is still the responsibility if the person using it. You are giving the impression that the bill gos to the gov. It does not, it goes to the person whose name is on it. You're still not supposed to use it for charges not related to your TDY, which is probably what happened. But not a huge crime, and not at the expense of taxpayers. Pales in comparison to other crimes listed.

What about the plane and lodging for a fake TDY?? If you're there for five days it could run into the thousands. Most of these guys find a hot vacation spot and just have a really good time.

September 26, 2012 at 8:29 pm |

Dubhly

If it had his name on them. I used to issue these back in the late 80s/early 90s and our unit had several that we issued to our pilots ( army aviation) all the time, so its entirely possible that it wasnt "his" card, but just a military one he was using.

September 26, 2012 at 8:30 pm |

Ian Monam

In basic training, a million years ago, the Drill Sgts. would often have us line up in a very tight single file formation saying, "make your buddy smile." I think this guy took basic training too seriously.

It's not exactly the same under the UCMJ. Forcible Sodomy and Rape were different crimes until the UCMJ was changed by Congress in June 2012. But if his conduct happened before that they are different. And it's still punishable by life in prison so there is no sugar coating for a senior officer.

Were ANY of the Algonquin Roundtable members who posted here funny I'd give them a pass on their ham-handed attempts at comedy but to many of us sodomy and rape are not made funnier if done by a man. Throwing your posts at the wall to see what sticks seems mostly to be a scream from the open grave that is your life; demanding the world which is burying you knows you're alive.

Yea CNN snapped a shot right after someone ran into the room he was in and yelled to him you might be court martialed for sodomy and he smiled and started to talk to the guy on his left... You nailed it... orr this is an archived picture of him?

what about all the jerks in washington they can F over the country and still have their pensions either party..one day the sheep will see how evil they ALL ARE..(not the soldiers I appreciate their service and respect them!)

September 26, 2012 at 8:17 pm |

JomoDaMusicMan

He's a general, so his pension is probably over $7,500 a month after 30 yrs of service. I think thats what John McCain gets a Mo. for PTSD

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